MEDIA RELEASE
Parramatta women work together
Released 2 December 2005
Information and Cultural Exchange
PO Box 4033 Parramatta NSW 2124 Australia
T: +61(2) 9897 5744 / F: +61(2) 9897 5766
Guildford residents Marcel Samaan and Souha Taleb are just two of the local Parramatta women from migrant, refugee and non-English speaking backgrounds who are learning new skills, building networks and indulging their love of Princess Diana through a community development program called ‘Women Work Together.’
The free eight-week program, a project of The Parramatta College and Granville community organisation Information and Cultural Exchange (ICE), offers English, computing and personal development classes three mornings a week, with free childcare. Women Work Together has been so popular with participants that word has spread and the women’s friends are now clamouring to find similar opportunities.
The good news for local Parramatta women is that they too are being encouraged to build networks with other women from diverse backgrounds, plus learn about the training, services and resources available in the area, at a party and information session on Wednesday 14 December.
“Come and hear about our course!” says Souha Taleb, of Lebanese background. “It’s been great. I feel like I’m doing something, not just sitting at home cooking and cleaning.” Souha particularly relishes the opportunity to learn computing skills: “It’s beautiful. I never knew how to use the internet. I’ve learnt how to send and receive email and how to find information on products, education, news and health.”
Marcel Samaan, of Sudanese background, says her English has improved through “meeting and speaking with other women” from a range of cultures, including El Salvador, Turkey, Iraq, the Philippines and Afghanistan. She had never used a computer until Women Work Together, and now uses email to stay in contact with her friends in Punchbowl and Bexley, who she doesn’t often get the chance to visit in person. The computer skills will also help her to look for work. “I’ve learnt to trust myself, talk about my hobbies (I love Princess Diana!), and talk with other women about how we feel.”
A perk of the course has been the chance to swap recipes – and many of the women will be bringing their special dishes for all to share at the celebration on 14 December.
Women Work Together party and information session runs 10am – 1pm on 14 December, at Granville Youth and Community Recreation Centre, 3a Memorial Drive, Granville. All are welcome. Please RSVP by Monday 12 December to Mouna on 9897 5744, ext 2. Free childcare is available.
Media Enquiries: Information + Cultural Exchange
PO Box 4033 Parramatta NSW / P: 9897 5744 / F: 9897 5766 / E: info@ice.org.au
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